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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on FitnessCriteria follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Fits your space and goals
Every recommendation starts with footprint, ceiling height and training goal, using the manufacturer's own specs.
A clear verdict
Each review says who the equipment suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use the manufacturer's published specs (footprint, weight capacity, motor rating, resistance levels, steel gauge), manuals and warranty terms, and guidance from bodies such as the American College of Sports Medicine.
What we check, by product type
| Racks and benches | Footprint, height, upright size, weight capacity, hole spacing, attachments and floor anchoring. |
|---|---|
| Weights | Weight range and increments, adjustment mechanism, handle and plate materials, and footprint. |
| Treadmills | Running deck size, motor rating, top speed, incline range, folding and user weight limit. |
| Bikes and rowers | Resistance type, levels, seat adjustment, footprint, storage and connectivity. |
| Wearables | Sensors, battery life, water rating, app features and subscription costs. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email info@fitnesscriteria.com and we'll check it and fix it.